Behind the Badge

Latest Episodes:

BTBI Season 2 Episode 13 | Illinois Police Officers Memorial Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

This episode of Behind the Badge Illinois highlights the Illinois Police Officers Memorial and the mission to honor fallen officers across the state. Committee members and law enforcement leaders share the history of the Springfield memorial, details about the annual May ceremony, and how the organization supports surviving families year-round. The conversation underscores the importance of remembrance, community support, and encouraging both the public and police agencies to attend and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8068725/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_13_Illinois_Police_Officers_Memorial_2026-03-31-171125.64kmono.mp3

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

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Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

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BTBI Season 2 Episode 12 | Tackling traffic safety challenges Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, David Hochberg dives into the critical issue of traffic safety, featuring law enforcement leaders discussing how agencies across Illinois are working to reduce crashes and save lives. Through data-driven strategies, education, and innovative enforcement tactics, the conversation highlights efforts to change driver behavior, improve roadway design, and strengthen community partnerships—all with the goal of making roads safer for everyone.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8068719/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_12_Tackling_Traffic_Safety_Challenges_2026-03-31-174019.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

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Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

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BTBI Season 2 Episode 11 | Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode, David Hochberg sits down with police chiefs, seasoned fraud experts, and a former bank employee who survived an armed robbery to explore what safety truly means in today’s financial world. From modern scams targeting everyday people to the tactics criminals use inside banks, our guests break down the red flags, the trends they’re seeing, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

You’ll also hear a gripping firsthand account from a former bank teller who was robbed at gunpoint. Her story sheds light on what frontline bank employees face, how quickly situations escalate, and why awareness matters more than ever.

Whether you want to guard your finances, keep your family safe, or understand the risks happening behind the scenes, this episode delivers eye-opening insights and practical tips you can use right away.

Stay smart. Stay alert. Stay safe.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7901950/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_11_Inside_the_Threat_of_Scams_and_Bank_Robberies_2026-01-07-161550.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

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Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

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BTBI Season 2 Episode 10 | Becoming a Chief Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

In this season 2 episode, David Hochberg sits down with three experienced police chiefs to delve into their personal journeys, what they have learned along the way, and what they would have done differently, and the advice they have for aspiring police chiefs.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7824289/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_10_Becoming_a_Chief_2025-11-20-194129.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

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BTBI Season 2 Episode 9 | Journey from the Academy to the Streets Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host David Hochberg is joined by Lincolnshire Police Chief Joe Leonas and DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd as they dive into the journey officers take from the police academy to the streets, and why training is an integral part of becoming a law enforcement officer.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7768452/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_9_Journey_from_the_Academy_to_the_Streets_2025-10-17-185752.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

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BTBI Season 2 Episode 8 | Hollywood Versus Reality Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

From high-speed chases to courtroom drama, police TV shows and movies have shaped how the public sees law enforcement. But how much of it is true to life? In this episode, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman steps in for host David Hochberg with DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd to break down Hollywood’s version of policing. They share what the big and small screens often get wrong, the rare moments that get it right, which shows or films come closest to capturing the realities of the job, and much more.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7741891/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_8_Hollywood_Versus_Reality_2025-10-02-211231.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

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Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

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BTBI Season 2 Episode 7 | Social Workers and Policing Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman steps in for host David Hochberg with DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd as they explore the essential role of social workers in supporting law enforcement and police social services.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7729387/BTBI_Season_2_Episode_7_Social_Workers_and_Policing_2025-09-25-153827.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

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Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

BTBI Season 2, Ep. 6 | Citizens in Policing Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman as they explore the growing role of civilians in supporting law enforcement and enhancing public safety. From community volunteers and citizen patrol groups to non-sworn Community Service Officers, we take a closer look at how everyday people are stepping up to assist departments across the country.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7718331/BTBI_Season_2_Ep_6_Citizens_in_Policing_2025-09-18-180931.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

BTBI Season 2, Ep. 5 | School Resource Officers’ Evolution and Impact Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host David Hochberg, Lincolnshire Police Chief Joe Leonas, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, and others explore the evolving role of School Resource Officers (SROs) and their growing impact on school communities. From their origins in public safety to their current place in educational environments, learn how the responsibilities, expectations, and perceptions of SROs have changed over time.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7706305/BTBI_Season_2_Ep_5_School_Resource_Officers_Evolution_and_Impact_2025-09-11-183305.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

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Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

BTBI Season 2 Ep. 4 | What It Takes to Become a Police Officer Today Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Thinking about becoming a police officer? In this episode, host David Hochberg talks with Lincolnshire Police Chief Joe Leonas and DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd about the hiring process from written exams and physical tests to interviews and background checks. Hear directly from law enforcement leaders about what they’re really looking for in today’s recruits, the most common pitfalls applicants face, and what you can do now to stand out. Whether you’re preparing to apply or just curious about the path to the badge, this episode is your essential guide to joining the force.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7694720/BTBI_Season_2_Ep_4_What_It_Takes_to_Become_a_Police_Officer_Today_2025-09-04-172520.64kmono.mp3